Havreites receive state VFW public service awards

Havre Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 497 announced that three Havre public services providers have been recognized by the VFW as Public Service Award winners for the State of Montana for 2022-2023.

Hill County Sheriff's Office Dispatch and 911 Supervisor Amanda Hamilton, Havre Fire Department Capt. and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Cody McLain and Havre Police Department Patrol Sgt. Justin Gomke were presented the awards.

A release from Post 497 said VFW recognizes the importance of those individuals who perform the selfless duties as public servants for their communities. Each year the local VFW Post selects one individual who sets themselves apart in each of the categories to be recognized. The four categories for the Public Servant Award are firefighter, emergency medical technician, law enforcement officer, and a new category this year, the 911 Post 49 dispatcher.

The criteria that each nominee must meet for these selections is difficult and demanding, the release said.

• The nominees must be recognized by their colleagues or members of the community in which they serve.

• They must demonstrate excellence in the performance of their duties.

• They demonstrate consistent dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibilities and skills within their profession.

The nominees are selected at the local post level and forwarded to the state level to compete against nominees from other posts in Montana.

Hamilton, the state VFW National 911 Dispatcher award winner, has provided exemplary service to the community since 2011. She continues to set a high standard as a training officer and supervisor for a critical service, the release said.

McLain, the state VFW National Emergency Medical Technician, has served the community for 18 years as an EMT and Fire Department captain. his list of accomplishments and volunteer assignments is exceptionally long as McLain is involved in so many facets of the community.

Gomke, the state VFW National Law Enforcement Officer, has provided outstanding law enforcement service to the City of Havre for more than 11 years. He has an extensive history of excellence and continues to train and lead the officers and staff of the Havre Police Department.

Each winner received an award citation from the National Commander of the VFW, a local citation from Bear Paw Post 497 and a Chamber Gift Certificate to allow the winner to put back into the community.

The release said VFW Post 497 members were honored to present these awards to the winners at their place of employment to celebrate with their co-workers and family members.